I. Description of Problem or Issue Lead Editor: Tory Kern
Currently in American schools, there is a large focus on test scores in math and reading, but there are other topics and activities that enhance student’s lives and do not receive the same attention. Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Deborah Gist writes about the need to have high standards for success in Rhode Island schools in the 2010-2015 Strategic Plan. Gist states that in some RI schools that are struggling, “less than half of their students are reaching proficiency in reading and mathematics” and that “we must and will transform these schools so that all students can be successful” (Gist, 2010). The question is, will these students reach success through proficiency in math and reading or do they need much more than that to prosper in life? The pressure for schools to perform well on standardized tests makes it difficult for schools to provide a full, enriching curriculum to its students and take care of the whole child. When resources and efforts are being given to test-taking, there are fewer resources available for the subjects and activities that are not being tested (Ravitch, 2013).
There are many experiences that students will not have because of the current educational climate in America. Having internship opportunities offered through the school that are integrated into the school day would encourage students to get hands-on experience doing real-world work, but this is not currently an option for all students. If technological enhancements were used to their capacity and offered to all students, all young people would have the opportunity to become technologically literate. If a wide range of electives in the arts and humanities were available to all students in America’s public school system, there would be more students that would be able to create, discover, think, feel, explore, and express themselves in a variety of social and cultural settings. Further, after school extracurriculars need to be strengthened and supported, not cut for financial reasons, in order to give students the chance to grow from being an active and motivated member or a team or club. Overall, it is important that the education system today be changed so that all students, not just a select minority who win a lottery or pay their way to a prestigious institution, have the tools to become well-rounded citizens. If experiential learning, technology being used to its educational capacity, enriching electives, and quality extracurriculars were prioritized in the way that test scores currently are, students will be prepared to be active members of society in America during and after their educational experience (Ravitch, 2013).
Overall, the previous strategic plans that addressed extracurricular activities focused on their significance and effects on students. The results consistently displayed that extracurricular activities positively impact both a student’s academic and personal life. Previous information was compiled with the use of academic resources in addition to the personal experience of individual group members. Also, some groups found that the subject of extracurricular activities was broad and would be more effectively analyzed with focus on specific aspects (For example, one group said “The benefits of sports activities and fine arts programs could have been the overall topic”). In general, the main idea of our strategic plan project is aligned with those of previous years: the implementation of extracurricular activities is necessary for a successful learning environment.
II. Description of Your Priority for our RI Strategic Plan Lead Editor: Victoria Petit
A rich curriculum provides students with skills in many areas that will be practiced for the rest of their lives. A wide variety of knowledge creates well-rounded citizens. Choosing electives allows students to become in charge of personalizing their education. Extracurricular activities encourage group collaboration and exploring interests. Incorporating technology into lessons provides students with skills needed for many jobs; technology is the future. Providing internship opportunities help students choose a career path while gaining field experience. The current measurement of advancement in American public schools is test scores. Creating a rich curriculum will advance students by equipping them with the tools needed to thrive in the country in leadership, citizenship, and economically. Some schools have offered one or more of these options to students but it is rare to find a combination; hence, the curriculum needs to be wholesome in every school in Rhode Island. Electives, extracurricular activities, technology-based lessons, and internships need to be incorporated in public schools to ensure that students have opportunities and choices—the values that this country was founded on—something that tests do not offer.
III. Research Summary
A Well-Rounded Curriculum and Electives by Tory Kern:
The need for a well-rounded curriculum has been highlighted in a number of research studies, scholarly articles, and reputable news sources. Although math and reading are vital, there are many other subjects that enrich students' lives and make them ready to be respectful, intelligent, and healthy adults. Neglecting to recognize the importance of the arts in school can mean that more arts programs get cut and more students disengage with their education. Not only do creative electives teach students persistence, ingenuity, and interpersonal skills, but they also give students a reason to pursue their goals and dedicate themselves to their education in a meaningful way. The American education system has a lot of promise, but it is being undermined by policy-makers who are prioritizing standardized testing. If poverty, racism, and inequitable funding are addressed, having a balanced curriculum with creativity blended with academic rigor can improve the lives of students to a large extent. If Rhode Island schools are to be the best the can be, performing well in math and reading cannot be the only goal of policy-makers, community members, educators, and students. Social studies, humanities, arts, and sciences need to be included in all children's educations, not just the ones who can afford to go to a school that offers a rich curriculum. Students who perform poorly in math and reading on standardized tests should still be able to participate in the elective programs that keep them engaged in school while they do their best to overcome cultural and economic odds to improve in math and reading. Rhode Island policy-makers needs to acknowledge that standardized tests like Common Core and PARCC are in fact leading to narrow curricula and the need to teach to the test, two processes that de-professionalize teaching and make learning less authentic and meaningful. Rhode Island schools can be improved if they provide and prioritize rich curricula for all students while addressing systemic issues that cause differences in achievement levels between children.
Extracurriculars by Ileana LaGrutta:
Overall, I learned that extracurriculars can positively impact a child in many different ways. Whether it is helping them socially grow and build new relationships, instilling important concepts such as teamwork and leadership into them, teaching them how to set goals and cope when these goals are not attained, or giving younger kids the chance to explore their interests, the amount of positive things that come out of participation in extracurricular activities is endless. Not only is participating in these activities important, it is also extremely important for the authority figures to have good practices as well. For example, by enforcing GPA requirements or a no drug and alcohol policy, this will encourage children to put in their best effort in school and get good grades as well as avoid risky behaviors that could jeopardize their chance of participating in their respective after-school activities. After all, for some students, extracurriculars are all they have, and they will do anything in order to remain eligible and participate in something that they love. Furthermore, this research helps us in identifying a strategy to improve schools in Rhode Island. No where in Rhode Island's current strategic plan is there any mention of extracurricular activities. The plan focuses mainly on good teachers and good test scores (Gist, 2010). Those things are undeniably important, however, kids also need an outlet to express themselves and do something enjoyable for themselves when they are outside of the classroom. Many schools in Rhode Island offer extracurricular activities, however, it is important that these are good quality activities. Meaning, they must be something that is taken seriously and are structured to a degree because let's face it, if the advisor of the club never shows up and meetings are always canceled, it doesn't matter if that club even exists as no one is attending anyway. Also, it is important that if there are going to be good quality after-school activities, school boards and administrators must work their hardest to ensure that kids are still doing their best in all of the other aspects of their lives including their mental well-being as well as academic performance. In short, Rhode Island schools already have extracurriculars. It is now time for the numerous school districts throughout the state to focus on the quality of these activities as well as enforcing certain rules to ensure student success and growth.
Workforce and Higher Education Preparation through Internships by Victoria Petit:
There were many sources discussing positive experiences with internships that high school students have been a part of. The problem was that none of the sources reported the internships as being connected with the public education system; the organizations and corporations running the internships were private. If public schools offered such opportunities, all students would have an equal chance to develop skills and build a resume regardless of who they knew and how much money they had. It is even possible to find paid internships or scholarships that will pay for college among organizations offering internships. Some sources gave suggestions on school reforms; internship availability and career building skills were incorporated.The students that gave feedback about their experiences were happy they participated and agreed that it made a positive impact in their educational career.Many students were offered a part time job from the company they were working with. These experiences are beneficial whether it goes towards building a college application or beginning a career.
Technology by Ryan Smith:
Overall, in my research I have found endless benefits of having technology in school systems. Computers have the ability to teach students individually, while allowing students to work at their own pace. If a student is having difficulty in any academic area, a computer will be able to detect the problem and provide additional work for the student to improve their weakness. By monitoring a student’s work with the help of technology, a student is truly getting the most efficient education possible. Students can be more involved with their schoolwork than they were previously if mundane lectures are replaced with three dimensional, breathtakingly beautiful virtual tours of school subjects. Additionally, with technology students have a door opened to a world of opportunities. Students don’t have to be limited to their school’s current curriculum when they could be taking online courses and exploring new and fascinating concentrations. Many students go to college without a career choice in mind. However, with online courses offered to grade schools, students can explore their interests without limits currently placed by school systems. Although technology brings positivity to schools more often than not, there are still situations where technology doesn’t completely benefit a classroom. For example, technology can be expensive and teachers aren’t always equipped with training required to handle new technology. In order to solve these problems, non-profit organizations are working towards producing free software for schools. Also, new educational software developers are being urged to create user-friendly material so that teachers can operate technology without prior training. At this rate, technology is set to make a great difference in the future of school systems.
VI. Group Product Overview Lead Editor: Ileana LaGrutta
Our group plans on having a few different activities and discussions in order to make our lesson exciting and engaging. Throughout the presentation, we will incorporate the game “Sit Down, Stand Up” into it. Before each group member presents their findings, we will ask a few questions pertaining to their research. Students will close their eyes and if the question relates to them, they will stand up. After everyone stands up, we will ask the students to open their eyes, look around, and understand what the majority believes. After “Sit Down, Stand Up” each group member is going to present their research findings. They will utilize a PowerPoint in order to assist them during their presentation. After each group member presents their findings, we will then introduce a follow up activity. In this activity, the class will split up into 6 groups of 3 people and sit at the high top tables. We will give the students a few minutes to discuss one area of our presentation at a time. As this occurs we will walk around to each table and hear what people have to say. At the end of the time, one person from each group will rotate to a new table, enabling everyone to work with different people. They will then discuss the next topic for a few minutes. Upon conclusion of this topic, a different person from each group will rotate in the opposite direction, and so on. By doing different activities and presenting our research via powerpoint we are hoping that our lesson keeps the class engaged and provokes thought pertaining to this important educational issue. VII. Group Reaction/Opinion(s) about the issues related to this priority. Lead Editor: Tory Kern
Our group believes that a rich curriculum including electives, internships, technology, and high-quality extracurriculars enhance schools and the educational experiences of students. Having a rich curriculum creates future leaders who are well-equipped to use their array of skills to become productive citizens who make a positive difference in the world. Personalizing education to serve the whole child and offering diverse opportunities to all children would set the American education system apart and make the United States a place where dynamic learning is possible. This would make students more interested in school. If students had interesting curricular/extracurricular options and opportunities to apply what they learn in the real world, they would be more engaged in their education. Technology can be used to give students more chances to learn by expanding their options to acquire knowledge. If you give high school students internships, college coaches, professional experiences, and courses that focus on complex ideas, there would be fewer dropouts and transfers, saving the education system money and give young adults more time to focus on their passions. We think engaging electives, creative core classes, internships, technological enhancements, and excellent extracurriculars are more effective than focusing on test scores like Rhode Island educational leaders are currently doing.
Individual Reactions
Tory Kern: Having a wide array of elective opportunities and a rich core curriculum in my high school had a huge impact on my educational outlook. Taking economics as an extra social studies class gave me the opportunity to be engaged in current events and political issues that I had never previously thought about. Having time every other day to create pottery in high school helped me motivate to go to school and decompress from the stresses of other classes. Furthermore, I still make pottery to this day and consider it to be my artistic outlet and favorite hobby. Performing plays and making movies in my English classes made me excited, instead of afraid, to learn about Shakespeare and write my own pieces of work. In addition, practicing and performing in band every year absolutely enriched my academic experience and has helped me become a leading flute player in a community concert band that raises thousands of dollars each year for the local hospital. Moreover, all of the classes I was offered such as AP environmental science, IB French, Mathematics in Everyday Life, Critical Media Studies, and World Religions had a huge impact on myself and made me into the critical thinker and productive citizen I am today. I would not be who I am without the well-rounded curriculum I was offered when I was younger, and it would do the country a disservice to continue narrowing curricula to reading, math, and physical education for the sake of performing well on standardized tests.
Ileana LaGrutta: I chose to research the topic on extracurricular activities because it is something that I can personally relate to. When I was younger, my parents put me into a wide array of extracurricular activities including dance, drama, soccer, softball, basketball, as well as playing a musical instrument. By exposing me to all different kinds of activities, I was then able to discover my likes and dislikes. Even though as I grew up I narrowed my extracurricular activity list down to a few sports, I had still kept all of the friends that I made from all of my different activities. Because of this, I had friends from many different “groups” such as athletes, musicians, and actors. Through my participation in extracurricular activities, I also learned how to work with others and, when needed, be a leader. My participation in these activities not only provided me with friendships and skills that I could use as I progress through life, it also provided me with ways to deal with failure. Whether it was losing in the Section Championship two years in a row for basketball, or not getting first chair when I played the clarinet, I was able to get a better sense of what failure is and use that understanding to propel myself forward and work harder. Not to mention, it taught me that you are not going to attain everything you want in life and the important thing is not failure itself, but rather it is where you go and what you do after you do not meet your goal. Lastly, by participating in extracurricular activities, it allowed me to thrive in the classroom. Throughout my schooling I understood that if I did not perform well, that I would not be allowed to take part in after school activities. This acted as a driving force for me and ultimately led to me achieving mostly A’s in high school, being a member of National Honor Society, and getting accepted to every college that I applied to. In short, school is extremely important. It is imperative that students get good grades and move on to a higher level of learning whether that be a college or a vocational school. However, good test taking skills are not going to get you a job when it comes down to it. It is the lessons that one learns through their participation in extracurricular activities that ultimately shape who a person is and gives them the necessary skills to succeed in life.
Ryan Smith: Technology has become more and more prevalent in school systems today. Personally, technology was implemented progressively more in each year of my high school career. Few computer classes were offered to me, which allowed me limited access to a subject of my interest. Also, my research reflected my personal experience in the sense that technology was hardly used efficiently in the classroom setting. Specifically, the school would spend money on various computer programs to enrich a course’s curriculum. Unfortunately, teachers would often times be unable to use the software presented to them and the new resources would go to waste. The software that was implemented into my classes often required special training from teachers, which wasn’t evident. With several school systems (including my own) lacking a technology specialist to help out in the classrooms, new software is often wasted. Even though technology wasn’t always used efficiently during school hours, there were clubs that offered the help of professionals after school. For example, I was a member of my high school’s Cyber Patriot team, an organization devoted to teaching students the importance of cyber security. I learned additional computer skills that I hadn’t learned previously in the classroom, which was beneficial to me and also opened up my eyes to a career I could pursue with my computer science major. Before the Cyber Patriot team, I had already taken every computer course available to me: a Java programming course and a web development course. After Cyber Patriot, I had a taste of programming, web design, AND cyber security. With software developers being urged to simplify the technology intended for classrooms, the efficient use of technology sure to become more common in school systems.
Victoria Petit: I didn’t have the opportunity in my school to do internship experience. If I had the option of participating in an internship program I would have felt more confident coming to college. Many freshman college students do not have a declared major; this could be stressful and possibly keep them from graduating in four years. There have also been frequent cases of upperclassmen changing their major. Internships and assistance in choosing careers in high school could prevent college students from swapping majors and falling behind. I had experience with special education children through my taekwondo school which was beneficial for me; getting that hands-on experience ensured me that school psychology was the right path for me to follow since I enjoyed working with children with special needs. I was fortunate enough to be able to get involved with taekwondo, but it is a privately owned organization (separate from school altogether) and if I could not afford to continue with taekwondo I may not have gotten experience at all. Giving students the option of internships through the public education system would open doors for a vast majority of students and could help solidify a path for their future.
I. Description of Problem or Issue
Lead Editor: Tory Kern
Currently in American schools, there is a large focus on test scores in math and reading, but there are other topics and activities that enhance student’s lives and do not receive the same attention. Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Deborah Gist writes about the need to have high standards for success in Rhode Island schools in the 2010-2015 Strategic Plan. Gist states that in some RI schools that are struggling, “less than half of their students are reaching proficiency in reading and mathematics” and that “we must and will transform these schools so that all students can be successful” (Gist, 2010). The question is, will these students reach success through proficiency in math and reading or do they need much more than that to prosper in life? The pressure for schools to perform well on standardized tests makes it difficult for schools to provide a full, enriching curriculum to its students and take care of the whole child. When resources and efforts are being given to test-taking, there are fewer resources available for the subjects and activities that are not being tested (Ravitch, 2013).
There are many experiences that students will not have because of the current educational climate in America. Having internship opportunities offered through the school that are integrated into the school day would encourage students to get hands-on experience doing real-world work, but this is not currently an option for all students. If technological enhancements were used to their capacity and offered to all students, all young people would have the opportunity to become technologically literate. If a wide range of electives in the arts and humanities were available to all students in America’s public school system, there would be more students that would be able to create, discover, think, feel, explore, and express themselves in a variety of social and cultural settings. Further, after school extracurriculars need to be strengthened and supported, not cut for financial reasons, in order to give students the chance to grow from being an active and motivated member or a team or club. Overall, it is important that the education system today be changed so that all students, not just a select minority who win a lottery or pay their way to a prestigious institution, have the tools to become well-rounded citizens. If experiential learning, technology being used to its educational capacity, enriching electives, and quality extracurriculars were prioritized in the way that test scores currently are, students will be prepared to be active members of society in America during and after their educational experience (Ravitch, 2013).
Previous Findings
Lead Editor: Ryan Smith
Blue Ribbon – 2008:
__https://uriteacherknowledge.wikispaces.com/FP+2008+-+MattArianaJessicaMarisa__
2007:
__https://uriteacherknowledge.wikispaces.com/Fnl+Prj+-+Extra+Curricular+Activities__
2008 (Lack of EC):
__https://uriteacherknowledge.wikispaces.com/FP+2008+SeanArlyAndreaMax__
2013:
__https://uriteacherknowledge.wikispaces.com/EDC+102+F13+Ed+Issues+-+Team+2__
Overall, the previous strategic plans that addressed extracurricular activities focused on their significance and effects on students. The results consistently displayed that extracurricular activities positively impact both a student’s academic and personal life. Previous information was compiled with the use of academic resources in addition to the personal experience of individual group members. Also, some groups found that the subject of extracurricular activities was broad and would be more effectively analyzed with focus on specific aspects (For example, one group said “The benefits of sports activities and fine arts programs could have been the overall topic”). In general, the main idea of our strategic plan project is aligned with those of previous years: the implementation of extracurricular activities is necessary for a successful learning environment.
II. Description of Your Priority for our RI Strategic Plan
Lead Editor: Victoria Petit
A rich curriculum provides students with skills in many areas that will be practiced for the rest of their lives. A wide variety of knowledge creates well-rounded citizens. Choosing electives allows students to become in charge of personalizing their education. Extracurricular activities encourage group collaboration and exploring interests. Incorporating technology into lessons provides students with skills needed for many jobs; technology is the future. Providing internship opportunities help students choose a career path while gaining field experience. The current measurement of advancement in American public schools is test scores. Creating a rich curriculum will advance students by equipping them with the tools needed to thrive in the country in leadership, citizenship, and economically. Some schools have offered one or more of these options to students but it is rare to find a combination; hence, the curriculum needs to be wholesome in every school in Rhode Island. Electives, extracurricular activities, technology-based lessons, and internships need to be incorporated in public schools to ensure that students have opportunities and choices—the values that this country was founded on—something that tests do not offer.
III. Research Summary
A Well-Rounded Curriculum and Electives by Tory Kern:
The need for a well-rounded curriculum has been highlighted in a number of research studies, scholarly articles, and reputable news sources. Although math and reading are vital, there are many other subjects that enrich students' lives and make them ready to be respectful, intelligent, and healthy adults. Neglecting to recognize the importance of the arts in school can mean that more arts programs get cut and more students disengage with their education. Not only do creative electives teach students persistence, ingenuity, and interpersonal skills, but they also give students a reason to pursue their goals and dedicate themselves to their education in a meaningful way. The American education system has a lot of promise, but it is being undermined by policy-makers who are prioritizing standardized testing. If poverty, racism, and inequitable funding are addressed, having a balanced curriculum with creativity blended with academic rigor can improve the lives of students to a large extent. If Rhode Island schools are to be the best the can be, performing well in math and reading cannot be the only goal of policy-makers, community members, educators, and students. Social studies, humanities, arts, and sciences need to be included in all children's educations, not just the ones who can afford to go to a school that offers a rich curriculum. Students who perform poorly in math and reading on standardized tests should still be able to participate in the elective programs that keep them engaged in school while they do their best to overcome cultural and economic odds to improve in math and reading. Rhode Island policy-makers needs to acknowledge that standardized tests like Common Core and PARCC are in fact leading to narrow curricula and the need to teach to the test, two processes that de-professionalize teaching and make learning less authentic and meaningful. Rhode Island schools can be improved if they provide and prioritize rich curricula for all students while addressing systemic issues that cause differences in achievement levels between children.
Extracurriculars by Ileana LaGrutta:
Overall, I learned that extracurriculars can positively impact a child in many different ways. Whether it is helping them socially grow and build new relationships, instilling important concepts such as teamwork and leadership into them, teaching them how to set goals and cope when these goals are not attained, or giving younger kids the chance to explore their interests, the amount of positive things that come out of participation in extracurricular activities is endless. Not only is participating in these activities important, it is also extremely important for the authority figures to have good practices as well. For example, by enforcing GPA requirements or a no drug and alcohol policy, this will encourage children to put in their best effort in school and get good grades as well as avoid risky behaviors that could jeopardize their chance of participating in their respective after-school activities. After all, for some students, extracurriculars are all they have, and they will do anything in order to remain eligible and participate in something that they love. Furthermore, this research helps us in identifying a strategy to improve schools in Rhode Island. No where in Rhode Island's current strategic plan is there any mention of extracurricular activities. The plan focuses mainly on good teachers and good test scores (Gist, 2010). Those things are undeniably important, however, kids also need an outlet to express themselves and do something enjoyable for themselves when they are outside of the classroom. Many schools in Rhode Island offer extracurricular activities, however, it is important that these are good quality activities. Meaning, they must be something that is taken seriously and are structured to a degree because let's face it, if the advisor of the club never shows up and meetings are always canceled, it doesn't matter if that club even exists as no one is attending anyway. Also, it is important that if there are going to be good quality after-school activities, school boards and administrators must work their hardest to ensure that kids are still doing their best in all of the other aspects of their lives including their mental well-being as well as academic performance. In short, Rhode Island schools already have extracurriculars. It is now time for the numerous school districts throughout the state to focus on the quality of these activities as well as enforcing certain rules to ensure student success and growth.
Workforce and Higher Education Preparation through Internships by Victoria Petit:
There were many sources discussing positive experiences with internships that high school students have been a part of. The problem was that none of the sources reported the internships as being connected with the public education system; the organizations and corporations running the internships were private. If public schools offered such opportunities, all students would have an equal chance to develop skills and build a resume regardless of who they knew and how much money they had. It is even possible to find paid internships or scholarships that will pay for college among organizations offering internships. Some sources gave suggestions on school reforms; internship availability and career building skills were incorporated.The students that gave feedback about their experiences were happy they participated and agreed that it made a positive impact in their educational career.Many students were offered a part time job from the company they were working with. These experiences are beneficial whether it goes towards building a college application or beginning a career.
Technology by Ryan Smith:
Overall, in my research I have found endless benefits of having technology in school systems. Computers have the ability to teach students individually, while allowing students to work at their own pace. If a student is having difficulty in any academic area, a computer will be able to detect the problem and provide additional work for the student to improve their weakness. By monitoring a student’s work with the help of technology, a student is truly getting the most efficient education possible. Students can be more involved with their schoolwork than they were previously if mundane lectures are replaced with three dimensional, breathtakingly beautiful virtual tours of school subjects. Additionally, with technology students have a door opened to a world of opportunities. Students don’t have to be limited to their school’s current curriculum when they could be taking online courses and exploring new and fascinating concentrations. Many students go to college without a career choice in mind. However, with online courses offered to grade schools, students can explore their interests without limits currently placed by school systems. Although technology brings positivity to schools more often than not, there are still situations where technology doesn’t completely benefit a classroom. For example, technology can be expensive and teachers aren’t always equipped with training required to handle new technology. In order to solve these problems, non-profit organizations are working towards producing free software for schools. Also, new educational software developers are being urged to create user-friendly material so that teachers can operate technology without prior training. At this rate, technology is set to make a great difference in the future of school systems.
IV. Visual Representation
V. Research Questions and Reference Summaries
Lead Editor: Ileana LaGrutta
Our group plans on having a few different activities and discussions in order to make our lesson exciting and engaging. Throughout the presentation, we will incorporate the game “Sit Down, Stand Up” into it. Before each group member presents their findings, we will ask a few questions pertaining to their research. Students will close their eyes and if the question relates to them, they will stand up. After everyone stands up, we will ask the students to open their eyes, look around, and understand what the majority believes. After “Sit Down, Stand Up” each group member is going to present their research findings. They will utilize a PowerPoint in order to assist them during their presentation. After each group member presents their findings, we will then introduce a follow up activity. In this activity, the class will split up into 6 groups of 3 people and sit at the high top tables. We will give the students a few minutes to discuss one area of our presentation at a time. As this occurs we will walk around to each table and hear what people have to say. At the end of the time, one person from each group will rotate to a new table, enabling everyone to work with different people. They will then discuss the next topic for a few minutes. Upon conclusion of this topic, a different person from each group will rotate in the opposite direction, and so on. By doing different activities and presenting our research via powerpoint we are hoping that our lesson keeps the class engaged and provokes thought pertaining to this important educational issue.
VII. Group Reaction/Opinion(s) about the issues related to this priority.
Lead Editor: Tory Kern
Our group believes that a rich curriculum including electives, internships, technology, and high-quality extracurriculars enhance schools and the educational experiences of students. Having a rich curriculum creates future leaders who are well-equipped to use their array of skills to become productive citizens who make a positive difference in the world. Personalizing education to serve the whole child and offering diverse opportunities to all children would set the American education system apart and make the United States a place where dynamic learning is possible. This would make students more interested in school. If students had interesting curricular/extracurricular options and opportunities to apply what they learn in the real world, they would be more engaged in their education. Technology can be used to give students more chances to learn by expanding their options to acquire knowledge. If you give high school students internships, college coaches, professional experiences, and courses that focus on complex ideas, there would be fewer dropouts and transfers, saving the education system money and give young adults more time to focus on their passions. We think engaging electives, creative core classes, internships, technological enhancements, and excellent extracurriculars are more effective than focusing on test scores like Rhode Island educational leaders are currently doing.
Individual Reactions
Tory Kern: Having a wide array of elective opportunities and a rich core curriculum in my high school had a huge impact on my educational outlook. Taking economics as an extra social studies class gave me the opportunity to be engaged in current events and political issues that I had never previously thought about. Having time every other day to create pottery in high school helped me motivate to go to school and decompress from the stresses of other classes. Furthermore, I still make pottery to this day and consider it to be my artistic outlet and favorite hobby. Performing plays and making movies in my English classes made me excited, instead of afraid, to learn about Shakespeare and write my own pieces of work. In addition, practicing and performing in band every year absolutely enriched my academic experience and has helped me become a leading flute player in a community concert band that raises thousands of dollars each year for the local hospital. Moreover, all of the classes I was offered such as AP environmental science, IB French, Mathematics in Everyday Life, Critical Media Studies, and World Religions had a huge impact on myself and made me into the critical thinker and productive citizen I am today. I would not be who I am without the well-rounded curriculum I was offered when I was younger, and it would do the country a disservice to continue narrowing curricula to reading, math, and physical education for the sake of performing well on standardized tests.
Ileana LaGrutta: I chose to research the topic on extracurricular activities because it is something that I can personally relate to. When I was younger, my parents put me into a wide array of extracurricular activities including dance, drama, soccer, softball, basketball, as well as playing a musical instrument. By exposing me to all different kinds of activities, I was then able to discover my likes and dislikes. Even though as I grew up I narrowed my extracurricular activity list down to a few sports, I had still kept all of the friends that I made from all of my different activities. Because of this, I had friends from many different “groups” such as athletes, musicians, and actors. Through my participation in extracurricular activities, I also learned how to work with others and, when needed, be a leader. My participation in these activities not only provided me with friendships and skills that I could use as I progress through life, it also provided me with ways to deal with failure. Whether it was losing in the Section Championship two years in a row for basketball, or not getting first chair when I played the clarinet, I was able to get a better sense of what failure is and use that understanding to propel myself forward and work harder. Not to mention, it taught me that you are not going to attain everything you want in life and the important thing is not failure itself, but rather it is where you go and what you do after you do not meet your goal. Lastly, by participating in extracurricular activities, it allowed me to thrive in the classroom. Throughout my schooling I understood that if I did not perform well, that I would not be allowed to take part in after school activities. This acted as a driving force for me and ultimately led to me achieving mostly A’s in high school, being a member of National Honor Society, and getting accepted to every college that I applied to. In short, school is extremely important. It is imperative that students get good grades and move on to a higher level of learning whether that be a college or a vocational school. However, good test taking skills are not going to get you a job when it comes down to it. It is the lessons that one learns through their participation in extracurricular activities that ultimately shape who a person is and gives them the necessary skills to succeed in life.
Ryan Smith: Technology has become more and more prevalent in school systems today. Personally, technology was implemented progressively more in each year of my high school career. Few computer classes were offered to me, which allowed me limited access to a subject of my interest. Also, my research reflected my personal experience in the sense that technology was hardly used efficiently in the classroom setting. Specifically, the school would spend money on various computer programs to enrich a course’s curriculum. Unfortunately, teachers would often times be unable to use the software presented to them and the new resources would go to waste. The software that was implemented into my classes often required special training from teachers, which wasn’t evident. With several school systems (including my own) lacking a technology specialist to help out in the classrooms, new software is often wasted. Even though technology wasn’t always used efficiently during school hours, there were clubs that offered the help of professionals after school. For example, I was a member of my high school’s Cyber Patriot team, an organization devoted to teaching students the importance of cyber security. I learned additional computer skills that I hadn’t learned previously in the classroom, which was beneficial to me and also opened up my eyes to a career I could pursue with my computer science major. Before the Cyber Patriot team, I had already taken every computer course available to me: a Java programming course and a web development course. After Cyber Patriot, I had a taste of programming, web design, AND cyber security. With software developers being urged to simplify the technology intended for classrooms, the efficient use of technology sure to become more common in school systems.
Victoria Petit: I didn’t have the opportunity in my school to do internship experience. If I had the option of participating in an internship program I would have felt more confident coming to college. Many freshman college students do not have a declared major; this could be stressful and possibly keep them from graduating in four years. There have also been frequent cases of upperclassmen changing their major. Internships and assistance in choosing careers in high school could prevent college students from swapping majors and falling behind. I had experience with special education children through my taekwondo school which was beneficial for me; getting that hands-on experience ensured me that school psychology was the right path for me to follow since I enjoyed working with children with special needs. I was fortunate enough to be able to get involved with taekwondo, but it is a privately owned organization (separate from school altogether) and if I could not afford to continue with taekwondo I may not have gotten experience at all. Giving students the option of internships through the public education system would open doors for a vast majority of students and could help solidify a path for their future.
VIII. Bibliography
Gist, D. (2010). Transforming Education in Rhode Island: Strategic Plan 2010-2015. Rhode Island Department of Education. https://uriteacherknowledge.wikispaces.com/file/view/RIDE%20Strategic%20Plan%2001-07-10.pdf/441298624/RIDE%20Strategic%20Plan%2001-07-10.pdf
Ravitch, D. (2013). Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Danger to America’s Public Schools. Vintage.